The Legends of Moonie Jarl

$19.95

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In 1964, The Legends of Moonie Jarl, the first Australian Aboriginal children’s book, was published. It was also the first Aboriginal children’s book in schools at that time. 50 years on the stories continue to be shared among the Butchulla people. Stories that they would like again shared by all Australian children. Our Foundation is thrilled to help make this possible by re-publishing the book.

The book tells the stories of the Butchulla people, the Indigenous people of Fraser Island and the Fraser Coast, Queensland. It was written and designed by Butchulla siblings Moonie Jarl (Wilf Reeves) and Wandi (Olga Miller), both of whom have since passed away. The Legends of Moonie Jarl gives a deeper understanding and appreciation of Butchulla culture among the broader community, and contributes to community pride locally.

“My father, who was a head-man of the Butchulla, told us many things in the evenings before we went to sleep. He would tell us the stories or legends of our people, some of which are similar to the fairy tales you heard when you were young. I learned from my father many things.” – Moonie Jarl